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Brexit and your policies

The vast majority of our customers’ policies will not be affected by Brexit.

If you purchased an Aviva policy in the UK and are currently - and will continue to be - permanently resident in the UK, cover under your policy will not be affected.

A small number of our customers purchased their policy in the UK and are now permanently relocated or may, in the future, permanently relocate to a different country within the European Union / European Economic Area. Following the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the approach taken by the EU/EEA regulators may affect the policies of customers in this position. The European Insurance & Occupational Pensions Authority has produced recommendations for regulators about dealing with policies if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Assuming all EEA regulators act in accordance with these recommendations, this does provide reassurance that we will be able to continue servicing existing policies for the vast majority of our customers in this position if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, customers travelling to Europe may need to take action for some types of cover such as motor or travel insurance.

Rest assured that we’re continuing to monitor political developments and are engaging with our regulators, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We’ll always aim to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be.

We’ll update our website with further information, including any relevant actions you may need to take, as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions on Brexit and insurance

General

I’m an Aviva customer. Do I need to do anything?

The vast majority of our customers’ policies won’t be affected by Brexit.

If you purchased an Aviva policy in the UK and are currently – and will continue to be – permanently resident in the UK, cover under your policy will not be affected.

A small number of our customers purchased their policy in the UK and are now permanently relocated or may, in the future, permanently relocate to a different country within the European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA). Following the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the approach taken by the EU/EEA regulators may affect the policies of customers in this position. The European Insurance & Occupational Pensions Authority has produced recommendations for regulators about dealing with policies if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Assuming all EEA regulators act in accordance with these recommendations, this does provide reassurance that we will be able to continue servicing existing policies for the vast majority of our customers in this position if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

In the event the UK government agrees a deal and transitional period with the EU, we don’t expect any impact to your policy during that period.

In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, customers travelling to Europe may need to take action for some types of cover such as motor or travel insurance.

We’re continuing to monitor political developments and are engaging with local regulators, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We’ll always aim to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be.

You don’t need to do anything with your policy at the moment.

I purchased a policy from Aviva UK, even though I am permanently resident in an EEA country. What is the impact of Brexit on my policy?

We’re aware that a small number of our customers purchased their policy from Aviva UK while permanently resident in an EEA country, or have risks situated in EEA countries, such as homes or premises insured there. We have transferred the majority of these policies to our business in Ireland.

If you’re in this position we will already have written to you.

For customers whose policies are being transferred, there will be no change to the way your policy works, the way you contact us, or the level of service you receive.

If you’d like more information, you’ll find answers to specific questions about the transfer of these policies here.

If you’re driving your car abroad, you will need a Green Card and an international driving permit please refer to the motor FAQs section for more information.

There is no cover under your travel policy if you need to make a claim that is the result of not having the appropriate documentation when leaving the UK.

Will there be any changes to my travel insurance?

No, we are not planning to make any changes - all our travel policies will provide the same level of cover before and after Brexit.

Will my insurance cover me for travel delays and cancellations due to Brexit?

Yes, with some limitations.

If airspace is closed after Brexit and you’re unable to fly (remember that the Government anticipates flights will operate as normal), then you should seek a refund from the airline. If your policy covers airspace closure, you can claim, and we’ll help you cover the costs of alternative travel arrangements or accommodation. This cover might be an optional addition to your policy.

There is no cover under your travel policy if you need to claim due to not having the appropriate documentation when leaving the UK.

Your insurance will still cover you for flight delays but remember that you aren’t covered if you miss your flight because there were delays checking in or getting through security. So, in the event of a ‘no deal’, please allow extra time to travel.

If there’s a ‘no deal’ Brexit, will my passenger rights (e.g. compensation from the airline for cancellation or delays) be affected?

E.g. ‘For air passengers on a flight departing the UK, the same passenger rights that apply today will continue to apply after the UK left the EU’.

Note: The current EU passenger rights will still apply for inbound flights from the EU.

Will my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still be valid if there’s a ‘no deal’ Brexit?

Probably not. An EHIC currently gives you access to state-provided healthcare available to residents of EU countries, but we don’t expect EHICs to remain valid in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. That means you could have to pay for medical costs that would previously have been covered under EHIC arrangements. However, the government may still negotiate an alternative to the EHIC.

Whether you have a valid EHIC or not does not affect the cover provided through your Travel Insurance.

Do I need to buy any insurance to replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

You should consider buying travel insurance for a number of reasons. Medical costs are likely to be the main reason since the EHIC will probably no longer be valid post-Brexit, and assuming your travel insurance claim is accepted, we will meet your emergency medical costs.

If you do decide to buy travel insurance, it’s important that you understand your cover and if you have pre-existing medical conditions you should ensure that your Medical Declaration is up to date. As always, check your policy booklet and find out what you need to disclose. We’ll screen your medical conditions and confirm if they can be covered.

Motor Insurance

What happens when I travel to the European Union now?

When driving your vehicle abroad now (while the UK remains a member of the EU) your motor insurance provides the minimum cover required by law for each country when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland. You are able to drive from the UK into these countries with no need to show any additional documentation to evidence that you have the required insurance.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal what will change?

If the UK leaves the EU in a ‘no deal’ Brexit, your policy will continue to provide the same minimum cover required by law. However, there will be a need to evidence that you have this cover in the event of a documentation check. You will need to obtain a “Green Card” from your insurer to evidence your insurance and an “International Driving Permit” from the post office to evidence that your licence is valid.

A Green Card is a document that is internationally recognised which evidences that you have the minimum legal cover your policy provides when driving outside of the UK in the EU.

Aviva has made arrangements to issue Green Cards. If you are planning to be driving your vehicle in the EU on or after “exit date” please contact us four weeks before you plan to travel so can understand your needs and issue you with a Green Card if you require one.

More information on how to obtain an International Driving Permit can be obtained from here.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is issued by the driver’s insurer, and acts as evidence that the minimum legal cover required is in force for the country visited whilst driving outside the UK. The Green Card is a physical document which is printed on green paper and cannot be issued in an electronic format.

Do I need a Green Card?

• If you are travelling to the EU and will return prior to ‘exit date’, you do not need a Green Card and do not need to contact us for a Green Card

• If you are planning to be driving your vehicle in the EU on or after ‘exit date’, please contact us four weeks before you plan to travel so we can understand your needs and issue you with a Green Card if you require one.

• In the event there is ‘no deal’, a Green Card will be required for all vehicles which travel in the EU after ‘exit date’ to prove that you have the required insurance, regardless of the level of motor cover provided on your policy. This is true even if you have a foreign use extension on your motor policy.

• Please note that you will need a Green Card when driving from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

• If you are travelling with a trailer you must register any commercial trailer weighing over 750kg before towing them abroad from ‘exit date’. A separately registered trailer will require a Green Card. All trailers, personal and commercial weighing over 3,500kg must also be registered.

I’m driving abroad beyond the borders of the EU; do I need a Green Card?

Your motor insurance with Aviva does not extend beyond the EU territories as standard. If you are intending to drive your vehicle in any of the below countries, please contact us so we can ascertain your needs on 0345 030 8651

• Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Israel

• Morocco

• Montenegro

• Tunisia

• Turkey

How do I get a Green Card?

Aviva has made arrangements to issue Green Cards to customers who plan on driving in the EU on or after ‘exit date’.

If you will be abroad on or after ‘exit date’ and are leaving the UK within the next 48 hours, please call us so we can ascertain your needs on 0345 030 8651.

Will I still be able to use my insurance to drive in other EU member states after Brexit?

Yes. Your current motor insurance cover will continue to provide the legal minimum motor insurance (third party cover only) for travel to EU & EEA countries, Serbia, Switzerland and Andorra. Customers will not need to purchase additional third-party motor insurance policy cover when travelling to these countries with a UK-registered vehicle. However, we suggest you check the terms of your cover, as the minimum requirements may not reflect the full cover you have when driving in the UK and you may wish to ‘top up’ your cover for driving abroad (e.g. comprehensive cover, which would include damage to your vehicle).

It is worth noting that at this point, a decision on Brexit has not been reached, meaning it is impossible to say what the future requirements for driving in the EU will actually be.

Will my driving licence be valid to drive in the EU after ‘exit date’?

In the event of a ‘no deal’ situation, the Department for Transport has advised you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU. You would need to show this in conjunction with your UK driving licence and Green Card.

The IDP is issued by the Government, via Post Offices. Contact the Government for information on how to obtain one (insurers to do not issue IDPs).

It is important to note that there are different types of IDP. Which one you need depends on which country you are driving in:

To drive in Republic of Ireland you should not need an IDP If you hold a UK driving licence as Ireland does not currently require IDPs to be held by driving licence holders from non-EU countries.

Where can I get more information?

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued a helpful document which addresses further questions on Green Cards and insurance requirements when driving abroad. Visit here for more information.

We’re continuing to monitor political developments and are engaging with regulators, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We will update our website with further information and/or actions you may need to take that are relevant to your policies as soon as Brexit, and what it means for your insurance, becomes clear.

What if I’m involved in an accident in an EU or EEA country with a motorist from the EU after “exit date”?

If you are involved in a road traffic accident in an EU or EEA country you may not be able to make a claim via a UK-based claims representative or the UK Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Instead, you may need to bring a claim against either the driver or the insurer of the vehicle in the EU or EEA country where the accident happened. This may involve bringing the claim in the local language.

In the event of an accident in an EU or EEA country caused by an uninsured or an untraced driver, you may not receive compensation. This will vary from country to country.

Savings and Investment

How will Brexit affect my investments?

We can’t predict what impact, if any, the eventual Brexit deal will have on financial marketsWe can’t predict what impact, if any, the eventual Brexit deal will have on financial markets.

While we’d like to remind you that your pension offers a range of different funds you can invest in, we can’t provide advice as to which may be most appropriate for your needs.

We recommend you take financial advice before making any decision relating to your particular investments with Aviva.

We’re continuing to monitor political developments and are engaging with regulators, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We’ll always aim to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be.

We’ll update our website with further information, including any relevant actions you may need to take, as soon as possible.

Pensions

I used to live and work in the UK and during this period my pension fund was created. I'm an EU citizen and am now resident in the EU. What will happen to my pension if a ‘no deal’ Brexit occurs?

We’re aware that a small number of our customers purchased their policy in the UK and are now permanently relocated in – or may, in the future, permanently relocate to – a different country within the European Union / European Economic Area.

Following the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the approach taken by the EU/EEA regulators may affect the policies of customers in this situation who are living in EU /EEA countries. The European Insurance & Occupational Pensions Authority has produced recommendations for regulators about dealing with policies if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Assuming all EEA regulators act in accordance with these recommendations, this does provide reassurance that we will be able to continue servicing existing policies for the vast majority of our customers in this position if there is a 'no-deal' Brexit.

In the meantime, we are continuing to monitor political and regulatory developments, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise.

We’ll always aim to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be.

Market performance and investments

I’ve heard about the volatility being caused by Brexit. Is Aviva strong enough to withstand the market movements?

As you will have heard in the media, the outcome of Brexit is uncertain. That uncertainty has driven – and is expected to continue to drive – volatility in the financial markets over the coming weeks and months.

However, Aviva is financially strong, with a very significant capital surplus of £11.8 billion announced in our half year results on 8th August 2019. This strong financial position, resilience and diversification means we are very confident in our ability to continue to meet our commitments to customers.

I’ve heard about the volatility being caused by Brexit. What will happen to my pension / my investments? Why has my fund value gone down?

As you will have heard in the media, the outcome of Brexit is uncertain. That uncertainty has driven – and is expected to continue to drive – volatility in the financial markets over the coming weeks and months.

We can’t predict what impact, if any, the eventual Brexit deal will have on the financial markets and nor can we provide advice as to what action, if any, you should take. We recommend you take independent financial advice before making any decision relating to your investments.

Remember your pension / policy offers a range of different funds you can invest in, and you can track the performance of your funds regularly by logging onto MyAviva.

We’re continuing to monitor political and regulatory developments, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We’ll always seek to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be. We’ll update our website with any further information, including any relevant actions you may need to take, as soon as possible.

Payments

Will you be able to make a payment to me overseas?

Aviva makes international payments into non-UK bank accounts. Currently we believe that we’ll continue to be able to do this for cross-border payments post-Brexit. It’s possible that new transaction charges may be levied on these, both for Aviva and for our customers; however, this is still uncertain.

Additionally, following the outcome of Brexit negotiations, the approach taken by EU/EEA regulators may affect the way in which any payments from the UK into non-UK bank accounts may be regulated or taxed by the country in which the recipient is based.

We don’t yet know what the approach of these regulators or tax authorities will be. We’re continuing to monitor political developments and are engaging with our regulators, so we can minimise any regulatory or operational difficulties that might arise. We’ll always aim to provide the service our customers expect, whatever the Brexit outcome may be.